The Bar

As I study idolatry and addictions, I often come across interesting testimonies and insightful sayings. Idolatry is the root sin that starts it all (the downward spiral of sin), you can find that startling conclusion in Romans 1:17-28. Yet once we turn to other 'gods',  we then become ensnared by them. For myself, for seventeen years, it was alcohol. Thanks be to Jesus Christ I am free now. Yet the memory of the often tragic exploits of a drunkard linger on. I found this poem in one of the books I am reviewing. For any that have struggled with drinking, the words will ring true. For those that still struggle, may these words help untangle you -

The Bar

The Saloon is called a bar...

It is more than that by far!

It's a bar to heaven, a door to hell,

Whoever named it, named it well.

A bar to manliness and wealth;

A door to want and broken health.

A bar to honor, pride and fame;

A door to grief, and sin and shame.

A bar to hope, a bar to prayer;

A door to darkness and despair.

A bar to an honored, useful life;

A door to brawling, senseless strife.

A bar to all that's true and brave;

A door to every drunkard's grave.

A bar to joys that home imparts;

A door to tears and aching hearts.

A bar to heaven, a door to hell;

whoever named it, named it well.

Anonymous